I'm currently 9 weeks out from my next competition which means that strict dreadful diet season has officially began. I often have frustrated people ask me about my workout regimen because they claim they're busting their butts and not getting the results they desire. That's usually my cue to ask about their eating habits. What people don't realize is diet is a large portion of the overall picture. We're all beginners at one time or another and I remember and still occasionally feel overwhelmed by the slew of health and wellness information floating around. It's challenging to find your way and weed through the plethora of information accessible to us; what with fad diets, new exercise trends and the latest mystery supplements.
Back in the day I used to be the "skinny-fat girl"; I was slender with very little muscle mass and over 20% body fat. I had the idea that I would exercise and not eat! What I'm realizing more and more is that a lot of young girls tend to share this logic. I used to go the entire day without eating and then eat one large meal before bed. I don't know where in my brain this made sense and why I never thought about how unhealthy this plan was.
Up until one year ago my eating habits were still very poor; it's not that I ate junk food, I just never had an appetite or was always to busy to eat. For me the hardest part of competing is never the training and always the diet. I have no problem with eating clean healthy foods; it's the amount of food and how often that I have to eat that's the issue. I've had an entire year to work out the kinks and come up with a fail proof plan that works for me and should simplify anyones life.
Each day I eat six meals, I space them out approximately every two hours. I eat the same six meals seven days a week in the exact same order. I train six days a week and Sunday is always my off day which works out perfectly for my meal planning. I buy all of my groceries and cook, portion and freeze them for the upcoming week on Sunday. I've got a good system going and now know (through trial and error) which order to cook and portion my food in the shortest amount of time possible. It takes me two hours to cook and portion 42 meals :)
My diet consists of six different types of meat, very little fruit, brown rice, baked potatoes and lots of salad. I also drink at least a gallon of water each day; which is a major achievement for me because I used to go an entire day and drink only two cups of water! Again with my young inexperienced not so smart logic!
Your body is your temple and you only get one... It's our responsibility to preserve our health and treat our body great by feeding it the cleanest foods, drinking lots of water, getting proper rest and exercising regularly. We're not garbage disposals so why eat junk?!?! I've learned if you're good to your body in return it'll be good to you =)
I'm relatively new to the competitive fitness industry. For years it was a dream of mine to compete solely inspired by bodybuilding friends and fitness model Jamie Eason. I remember looking through fitness magazines thinking "If only I had the drive and knowledge to achieve those results". After several years of longing I decided to make my dreams a reality and began training only one short year ago on April 18th. I began and continue to train at Goodlife Fitness where one of the personal trainers suggested a local competition trainer. I knew at the time I didn't have the required knowledge to train and diet properly for a competition and needed to seek outside help. I picked a local trainer and started a new diet and fitness regimen and what a shock to the system that was! I will admit that the first 4 weeks were the hardest but I was determined and stuck with the plan. My trainer explained that he wanted me to compete at the upcoming ABBA Alberta Provincials in 9 weeks; I was freaking out due to the short time span. He assured me that I was a direct reflection of his training and he wouldn't allow me to step on stage if he didn't think I were ready. I've learned that we're our own worst critic and if my trainer deemed me ready and I felt otherwise I would pull the plug myself and not compete.
As the weeks rolled by I was surprised by my results and how much easier the diet and workout regimen was getting. Competition day came and there I was in the middle... I was nervous and excited; I was going to compete and I hadn't ever seen a competition! I took a deep breath and went for it :) I remember the day seeming endless but the overall outcome was a complete humbling shock! After 9 weeks of training I never expected to make top ten let alone place. It was such an invigorating feeling and I knew instantly that this sport was for me. I went on to compete in 4 more competitions totalling 5 competitions in four months; It was hectic and brutal but I loved it!
In the last year there were ups and downs and major personal health issues to overcome... I fought hard and survived. A year ago when I began training a veteran bodybuilder told me "after the next twelve weeks of training and competing you will no longer be who you are today, not just physically but mentally and emotionally". He was very accurate... I've gained more mental and emotional strength while training then physical. I am disciplined and can overcome any obstacle. I honestly believe that had I not started this journey a year ago I wouldn't have been able to conquer what I have in the last nine months.
I often get asked questions about my fitness journey and was encouraged to start a blog for my friends, fans and support system. It only took six months but here I am posting my first blog :) I will be updating my blog often so feel free to follow...
This is me...
This is my journey
Each day I eat six meals, I space them out approximately every two hours. I eat the same six meals seven days a week in the exact same order. I train six days a week and Sunday is always my off day which works out perfectly for my meal planning. I buy all of my groceries and cook, portion and freeze them for the upcoming week on Sunday. I've got a good system going and now know (through trial and error) which order to cook and portion my food in the shortest amount of time possible. It takes me two hours to cook and portion 42 meals :)
